CHAZ BONOGets Protection From "Crazies"

9/19/2011 11:06 AM PDT

CHAZ BONO Gets Protection from 'Crazies' at 'Dancing With the Stars'

ABC believes there are "crazies" out there who have a thing againstChaz Bono ... and network execs have taken precautions by ordering security for Chaz both on and off the "Dancing with the Stars" set.

Sources connected with the show tell TMZ ... there have not been any specific threats against Chaz, but the honchos know there's an element of hatred out there and they feel it's necessary to block Chaz from harm.

As a result, we're told Chaz will get security while he's on the CBS Television City lot -- where the show is filmed -- and off the premises as well.

This isn't the first time DWTShas had to deal with security issues. The show provided security for Bristol Palinafter an anthrax scare last year.